Air circulation unit

ABSTRACT

An air circulation unit for ceiling placement that includes: a duct system; a plurality of vents positioned along the duct system; a plurality of lights along the duct system; a supply vent into the duct system; a variable volume air box, where the variable volume air box supplies air to the supply vent; and a return vent, where the return vent removes air from a room that includes the duct system. Preferably, plurality of lights may include LED lights. In alternative embodiments, the duct system is formed in either a circular or rectangular dimension. Preferably, the plurality of vents are evenly spaced over the circumference of the duct system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to an air circulation unit that provides an alternative to a traditional ceiling fan.

2. Description of Related Art

Many individuals use ceiling fans in their homes and businesses to circulate air within a room. The traditional ceiling fan includes a fan that is mounted on the ceiling that hangs from the ceiling and consequently circulates at various speeds. A ceiling fan typically includes long multiple blades that force the circulation of the air as the fan propels. A ceiling fan can be a good for increasing circulation in an enclosed room. Further ceiling fans are effective in cooling a room due to the movement of air as a result of use of the ceiling fan. However a drawback to the use of ceiling fans includes the significant amount of dust that usually accumulates on the blades of the fan. Further one must have adequate space to install the ceiling fan. Further ceiling fans consume energy for operation and thus may increase cooling costs. In certain instances the ceiling fan may not be aesthetically appealing based upon the particular user's needs. As a consequence, it would be advantageous to have an air circulation system that's installable onto the ceiling of a room as a substitute for a ceiling fan.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an air circulation unit for ceiling placement that includes: a duct system; a plurality of vents positioned along the duct system; a plurality of lights along the duct system; a supply vent into the duct system; a variable volume air box, where the variable volume air box supplies air to the supply vent; and a return vent, where the return vent removes air from a room that includes the duct system. Preferably, plurality of lights may include LED lights. In alternative embodiments, the duct system is formed in either a circular or rectangular dimension. Preferably, the plurality of vents are evenly spaced over the circumference of the duct system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an air circulation unit in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a topside view of the air circulation unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts an alternative embodiment of the air circulation unit in accordance to the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of the alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts covers used in conjunction with the air circulation unit in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to an air circulation unit that is installed and mounted on a ceiling of a room. The air circulation unit according to the present invention includes a duct system that has multiple vents provided along the circumference of the duct system. These vents supply air that is retrieved through a supply vent within the duct system. The duct system is ceiling mounted and may include a cover to cover the circulation unit when in operation. The system provides a ready supply of air circulation that is aesthetically mounted onto the ceiling of a room.

In reference to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of an air circulation unit 100 is depicted. The air circulation unit 100 includes a circular duct system 40. This duct system 40 includes a plurality of vents 42 that are arranged around the circumference of the duct system 40. Further the duct system 40 includes a series of LED lights 50 that are arranged between the vents 42. Ceiling mounts 34(a), 34(b) are provided to mount the duct system 40 onto a ceiling 35 as shown in FIG. 1. Additional ceiling mounts 30, 32 are provided at a supply vent 20 and a return vent 22 as shown in FIG. 1. The air circulation unit 100 circulates air through the supply vent 20 and distributes the air through the duct system 40. This air is released through vents 42 that are spaced over the circumference of the duct system 40. The air is returned through the return vent 22 as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 depicts a top view of the duct system 40 in accordance with the present invention. This top view shows additional LED lights 50 along the top of the duct system 40. FIG. 3 depicts a second embodiment of the air circulation unit in accordance with the present invention. The air circulation unit 200 shown in FIG. 3 is a rectangular-shaped system. This rectangular-shaped system includes a duct system 62 that has vents 60 on each side of the duct system 62. Further along each side of the duct system are LED lights 55. A supply vent 70 is depicted that receives air from a variable air volume box 72. This variable air volume box 72 pushes air through the supply vent 70 that is released through the duct system 62. A return vent 80 pulls air out of the room to complete the circulation process. The variable air volume box 72 may also include a controller 74 that helps to control the volume of air that is supplied through the air circulation unit 200. A similar variable air volume box may be provided for the air circulation unit 100 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of the duct 62 and air circulation unit 200. As shown as FIG. 4 additional filling mount 65 are placed on each side of the duct system 62 along with ceiling mounts 73, 77 shown on the inner portion of the duct system. Advantageously covers may be provided for either embodiment of the present invention as depicted in FIG. 5. A circular covered 90 may be used to help conceal the air circulation unit 100 from view. A further feature of the cover 90 is a digital readout 94 that is along the outer perimeter 91 of the cover 90. This digital readout may be used simply for advertising purposes. A second cover 92 is shown that includes a rectangular shape for use with the air circulation unit 200 show in FIG. 3. This rectangular cover 92 also may include a digital readout 94 along an outer perimeter 93 of the cover 92. The air circulation unit according to present invention provides a convenient and effective means to replace ceiling fans on a ceiling of a room. The instant invention has been shown and described in what it considers to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made there from within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An air circulation unit for ceiling placement comprising: a. a duct system; b. a plurality of vents positioned along the duct system; c. a plurality of lights along the duct system; d. a supply vent into the duct system; e. a variable volume air box, where the variable volume air box supplies air to the supply vent; and f. a return vent, where the return vent removes air from a room that includes the duct system.
 2. The air circulation unit according to claim 1, where the plurality of lights include LED lights.
 3. The air circulation unit according to claim 1, where the duct system is formed in a circular dimension.
 4. The air circulation unit according to claim 3, where the plurality of vents are evenly spaced over the circumference of the duct system.
 5. The air circulation unit according to claim 4, where the plurality of lights are arranged between the plurality of vents.
 6. The air circulation unit according to claim 1, where the duct system is formed in a rectangular dimension.
 7. The air circulation unit according to claim 6, where the plurality of vents are evenly spaced on two opposing sides of the duct system.
 8. The air circulation unit according to claim 7, where the plurality of lights are arranged between the plurality of vents.
 9. The air circulation unit according to claim 1, further including a cover, where the cover is used to conceal the duct system.
 10. The air circulation unit according to claim 9, where the cover further includes a digital display along the outer perimeter of the cover.
 11. The air circulation unit according to claim 1, where the variable volume box further includes a controller, where the controller controls air flow into the duct system. 